Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What Are you Reading?
Jax wrote: "Here's Ms Amara's blog post from back in February:http://www.astridamara.com/its-done/
We're running out of year here, though, so I hope she's still on track. Best laid plans and all......"
Oh, ok, the contemporary one was Demolished. I thought there might be an additional one. Let's hope the Lies sequel will be here soon.
I am reading Gumption & Gumshoes by Alex Kidwell. I am glad I bought it before I read the blurb. It features... wait for it... a Chinchilla Shifter!!!! O_oBut! It's a cute story so far. August, the shifter, is shorter, pudgy, with a really poor self-image. He's so sweet, though.
Anyway, the book is fun. :) I have read other Kidwell books and really enjoyed them.
Susinok wrote: "I am reading Gumption & Gumshoes by Alex Kidwell. I am glad I bought it before I read the blurb. It features... wait for it... a Chinchilla Shifter!!!! O_oBut! It's a cute story so far. August, t..."
I loved Gumption & Gumshoes! It was adorable. I think I read somewhere that she may write a sequel, and she is writing a sequel to After the End which I am excited about.
Jax wrote: "KC wrote: "I started yesterday Astrid Amara's The Valde: Water."Please let us know what you think of this one. This is the only book of hers that I haven't read yet because I think I read somewhe..."
Just finished The Valde: Water! Total awesomeness! :-) It doesn't end with a cliffhanger. It pretty much wraps up this part of the story, but sets it up in such a way that if ever there is a sequel, it will take the story to another level (more fantasy, adventure).
Oh good! I will go for it then. Thanks for the info KC.
Valerie wrote: "I loved Gumption & Gumshoes! It was adorable. I think I read somewhere that she may write a sequel, and she is writing a sequel to After the End which I am excited about. ..."Oh good. I enjoyed After the End. Great book.
I have had some five star reads lately, from authors who are new to me. I believe they were all recommended here.First was Butterfly Hunter. I was predisposed to like it because of the Australian bush and hey--butterflies! But the writing is wonderful, the characters are great, and there is a dreamy quality to the discovery of the butterflies, almost as if they are in another dimension. I recommend this book to everyone here, if you haven't already read it. And a sequel is due in November. I can hardly wait.
Next up is Make Do and Mend, set in Wales during World War II. The main characters are a Navy submarine commander on convalescent leave after a serious accident and a conscientious objector who has been sent to do farm labor instead of being drafted. However, this book is about so much more, telling the story of a land and a people at war--the quiet heroes who go about their business day after day, doing what is necessary and "making do." This may actually sound a bit boring, but I was totally drawn into the time and place. The writing is amazing, and the tale of how the two men manage to maintain discretion in such difficult times was interesting enough for me.
Both of the above stories were published by Manifold Press. From reviews of some of their other books, they appear to be a quality publisher who cares about good writing and good stories. I plan to buy several more books from them.
A novella which I also really enjoyed was Dry Bones. Set in 1896, this tale of two cowboys was so much more interesting than most of the "cowboy" m/m romances I've been reading. The characters had a lot of depth for such a relatively short story. Parhelion's biography also mentioned that the author has free stories and fanfic, so I did a search on Archive of our Own. Wow, Nero Wolfe fanfic, and excellent stuff, too! I've rediscovered my love of Archie and Nero with some of the great stories there. Here's a link, if anyone is interested: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Parh...
I've been meaning to read Parhelion's stories for two or three years; just haven't got around to it. Thanks, Marge, for the reminder!
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First was Butterfly Hunter. I was predisposed to like it because of the Australian..."
Oh cool. I'm waiting for my print Butterfly Hunter to arrive as we speak — And I didn't remember that the sequel is going to be released so soon! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the book so much, Marge.
Dry Bones is the only one I've read from Parthelion — and I don't know why, because I liked that one a lot. So yes, I, too, can recommend it! To quote K.Z.: Thanks for the reminder!
Marge wrote: "I have had some five star reads lately, from authors who are new to me. I believe they were all recommended here.First was Butterfly Hunter. I was predisposed to like it because of the Australian..."
Thank you, Marge, it is always good to hear about good books. I have read Faster Than the Speed of Light by Parhelion, and I absolutely recommend that one if you haven't read it already. So I should definitely read more of his books.
It is a shame I need to work to be able to buy books, otherwise I need a vacation so I can read all the excellent books and authors you people recommend!
Dry Bones is very good and quite short, Anne. Even without vacation you should be able to squeeze it into your reading pensum. So, no more reason not to! ;-)
Calathea wrote: "Dry Bones is very good and quite short, Anne. Even without vacation you should be able to squeeze it into your reading pensum. So, no more reason not to! ;-)"Okay :)
I loved all Parhelion's books and I'm sorry that all of them are quite short, with the exception of ''Faster Than the Speed of Light''. So, you can squeeze in several of them, dear Anne!
I am starting to look forward to real fall and winter with wet and cold weather so I can sit inside and read. We have had a unusually good summer for Norway, so I have spent time out of doors, but the seasons we are enetering are good for books, blankets and fire in the fireplace :)
Antonella wrote: "I want a fireplace too!"You will have to come and use mine :)
LOL! Thank you, but I don't fancy to travel in winter to a place even colder than my place. In summer though...
Antonella wrote: "LOL! Thank you, but I don't fancy to travel in winter to a place even colder than my place. In summer though..."
Well, we have summers when a fire in the fireplace is nice, but then it probably is too cold for you..
I'm breezing through the Charley Davidson novels. I'm on the fourth and having fun. So, so much fun.One of the favorite quotes: "I know karate, and like two other Japanese words. —T-SHIRT" XD
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But! It's a cute story so far. August, t..."
That sounds cute.
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Please let us know what you think of this one. This is the only book of hers that I haven't read yet because I think I ..."
Astrid is so underappreciated. I don't get it. Her stuff is so smart and funny.
I've not read any Astrid Amara. What should I start with? I'm now 2 for 2 on 'urban SFF with great idea rendered unreadable by the lack of good editing', I think I need to change tack.
I just finished A Knitter in His Natural Habitat by Amy Lane - it was wonderful! I love Amy Lane.I also read a fantasy novel I loved - it was a 5 star review for me, A Boy and His Dragon by R.Cooper. I loved this story - I have a soft spot for Dragons.
K.J. wrote: "I've not read any Astrid Amara. What should I start with? I'm now 2 for 2 on 'urban SFF with great idea rendered unreadable by the lack of good editing', I think I need to change tack."I find that all of Astrid's books are very well edited, so no worries there :-)
If urban fantasy, The Valde: Water could be a good start. I just finished it and i'm still excited about it. If spec. fiction - The Archer or No Life but This (in Irregulars). If contemporary/AU suspense/romance - Demolished, A Policy of Lies, or Intimate Traitors. And if really sweet and funny romance - Holiday Outing (or any of the other holiday romances).
Colette wrote: "I just finished A Knitter in His Natural Habitat by Amy Lane - it was wonderful! I love Amy Lane.I also read a fantasy novel I loved - it was a 5 star review for me, A Boy and His Dragon by R.Coo..."
The knitters are sweet :-)
Josh wrote: "KC wrote: "Jax wrote: "KC wrote: "I started yesterday Astrid Amara's The Valde: Water."Please let us know what you think of this one. This is the only book of hers that I haven't read yet because..."
I agree! smart and funny and sweet :-) One of the things that I really like about Astrid's romances, is how she manages to shift the main focus to some kind of adventure, something intriguing that puts things into perspective for everyone, and yet it still is so very romantic, and there's also quite a bit of comic relief.
I've just finished Scrap Metal by Harper Fox. Next up - The Magpie Lord. :) So many people I know on Goodreads and Twitter are saying how great it is. Can't wait.
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**I should note I'm making fun of the promo blitz, not the book itself.
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Please let us know what you think of this one. This is the only book of hers that I haven't rea..."
What I love about Astrid's work is she has a great feel for classic romantic comedy. It's quite rare, I think. Or maybe not that many writers and readers prize it nowdays? But I love it. I love the nutty scenarios she cooks up, I love the characters...I just really enjoy her work.
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I finished reading Spook Squad last night, too, and I'm planning to start reading Hell Cop today. I also received my print copy of Glitterland yesterday, but I think I'll save it for later. At this time of year I'm always dreaming of a chance for a beach holiday during the winter — that's why I'm hoarding all the print books right now... they give me hope. ;-)
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ETA: Oh, okay. Just read Jo's comment. :D"
Ah! I do need to refresh Hell Cop in my mind.
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I finished reading Spook Squad last night, too, and I'm planning to start reading Hell Cop today. I also received my print co..."
I'm about to book a beach holiday for next year, so I totally hear you on that. :-)
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I finished reading Spook Squad last night, too, and I'm planning to start reading Hell Cop today. I also rece..."
You'll do that, Josh. Push the button, book the beach holiday. The idea of you on a holiday makes me even happier than the idea of me on a holiday. :-)
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ETA: Oh, okay. Just read Jo's comment. :D"
LOL. I probably won't be ready with Hell Cop either before the discussion starts. My job has been trying to swallow me whole these last couple of weeks and I haven't had nearly as much time to read as I would have liked to have.
Johanna wrote: "My job has been trying to swallow me whole these last couple of weeks and I haven't had nearly as much time to read as I would have liked to have."That is, Josh is not the only one who has to take care of oneself!
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That is, Josh is not the only on..."
I hear you. :-) I'm not completely drown yet, so no need to worry. I'm still splashing and hanging unto my life ring... this is just a momentary flood. :-)
Johanna wrote: ... "I hear you. :-) I'm not completely drown yet, so no need to worry. I'm still splashing and hanging unto my life ring... this is just a momentary flood. :-)"I am sending you a rescue boat with snacks in it, and you already have the books for when it gets to shore :-) And take good care of yourself in the meantime!
Josh wrote: "Finished Spook Squad and started Glitterland last night. Only got 2 or 3 pages in, so the devastating beauty and brilliance haven't kicked in yet. ;-P**I should note I'm making fun of the promo..."
LOL. I really liked the book, but that would not be how i'd describe it at all!
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I am sending you a ..."
LOL. I think I can see your boat already... it's loaded with... chocolate. Thank you! :-)
And speaking of comfort reads — hubby is out having fun with the boyz and I plan on climbing into bed with Tim and Luke tonight. ;-)
Johanna wrote: "KC wrote: "Johanna wrote: ... "I hear you. :-) I'm not completely drown yet, so no need to worry. I'm still splashing and hanging unto my life ring... this is just a momentary flood. :-)"I am sen..."
Oooh, nice! Enjoy! ;-)
Yes, there's quite a bit of chocolate in there and a meringue chocolate torte (i hope you like it, if not, i'm sure the ponies can have a party around it in anticipation of Irregulars codas :-)).
Antonella wrote: "Johanna wrote: "My job has been trying to swallow me whole these last couple of weeks and I haven't had nearly as much time to read as I would have liked to have."That is, Josh is not the only on..."
Do take care of yourself, Johanna.
Josh wrote: "I'm about to book a beach holiday for next year..."Excellent news. I'm glad you've rediscovered the concept of a holiday!
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Yes, Johanna do take care! I don't know what it is about teaching. I think a lot of us start the school year with such good intentions to not let our job overwhelm everything else, and a few weeks into it we're inundated once again. I balance ten hour work days with nights with my nose in an ebook, reading like a madwoman, total escapism.
This week I read Finding Zach, and finished the first story in Hell Cop (Astrid's), also just bought
and
I am reading Disasterology 101 by Taylor Donovan. Found out about this book from Anne Tenino's twitter feed. So far I like it. Two unique heroes.I'll be getting Dead in the Desert, too and reading them both at once. I'll also be reading The Magpie Lord. I'm finally in the mood again for something other than contemporary.
Talking about Taylor Donovan.... I just finished her Degrees series and wow! She is a fantastic writer. I love Romance. I love Crime stories. And it's so very rare that the two go well together but they do in this series. The first book is a slow build up and the second one just knocked me off my feet. It was fantastic. Too bad I have to wait until March for the third book.The crime plot was really tight and well written. Caught me off guard. Which isn't usual in romance books.... they quite often have crime/suspense plot of some kind but usually poorly done.
The characters as well were really great and the romance plot is very well character driven. If that is the right word to use. Sam is fascinating, in ways he reminded me so much of Jake with his constant battle against his attraction towards Mac. And Mac is so laid back and then you find out he's got a closet full of secrets... it is surprising. However contrary to Jake and Adrien.... it's Sam that's out and proud bisexual and doesn't hide his sexuality and Mac that's in the closet.
Anyway if you haven't read them I so recommend them.
I also finished Zero at the bone. Really good book but I did like the first half better than the second one. First half was fantastic the second half good. I do wish though she'd keep on writing because not only want I more of D and Jack but I want D to hunt down this crazy killer that suddenly emerges at the end of the book.I also read Bareback and I can understand why that is either love or hate book. I almost quit reading it because frankly there was just too much sex in the first half of the book and the plot suffered. However it did pick up when certain things happened, don't want to spoil anyone, and then I really got into the story because it became really interesting. I liked how these things were written, they were very realistically written because things very rarely are just black and white, people do stupid things without reason, people get on a road they can't get off not because they are bad people but it's just the way life is, we are not perfect. So the second half of Bareback was fascinating and brought the story up to my toplist of books I've read this year.
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That is, Josh is not the only on..."
Exactly! In fact, I suspect we are group of over-achievers drawn to each other partly by our need to stop ourselves from spontaneously combusting. :-D
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Excellent news. I'm glad you've rediscovered the concept of a holiday!"
I confess I didn't actually get around to booking it, but I think I will -- probably this week!
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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http://www.astridamara.com/its-done/
We're running out of year here, though, so I hope she's still on track. Best laid plans and all......